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Q~se #6: Establishment Of Storm Sewer Taxin~ Districts: <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that the Economic Development Commission met on the morning <br />of April 22, 1986 and recommended that in the best interest of future <br />development and long range planning, City Council establish storm sewer taxing <br />districts. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cox inquired as to what kind of expenditures the City is <br />anticipating for storm sewer improvements. <br /> <br />Mr. Raatikka stated that Phase I in the West Drainage District would be <br />construction of an outlet on the north side of the railroad tracks and the <br />estimated cost is $400,000-$500,000; estimated assessment to a $70,000 home <br />would be $145/year over a 10 year period. It it is determined that additional <br />projects are necessary, property owners would be additionally assessed <br />accordingly. If a complete storm sewer system is necessary, the estimated cost <br />would be $3,000,000.00. <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman inquired as to the average cost that would be assessed to a <br />household for a complete system utilizing storm sewer taxing districts. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley replied that a large number of assumptions would have to be made <br />and the information would not be that valid. The same construction costs apply <br />to whatever method of financing is chosen. <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman stated that on the surface, the Charter is a very democratic <br />process but it will allow for situations where the minority will suffer at a <br />high price; how do we do right by that minority? Taxing Districts put a lot of <br />strength in the hands of Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley replied that the property owner has the right of initiative and <br />referendum provided by the City Charter; 10% of the registered voters at the <br />latest city wide election can force a question to be voted on by the entire <br />community. <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman stated that establishing storm sewer districts as a method of <br />financing pre-empts another area's right to choose a different method. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that projects already financed through a storm sewer taxing <br />district would have to stay in place but citizens could stop additional <br />projects just the same as you would stop a special assessment project; it is <br />more cumbersome to oppose because it would require a petition of 10% of the <br />registered voters. <br /> <br />A citizen in the audience noted that at the April 15 public hearing there <br />appeared to be no cost information available; tonight there is; how did Staff <br />come up with that information so quickly? <br /> <br />Mayor Heitman replied that the thrust of the hearing was to discuss financing <br />methods; there are plans and cost information available but there is still a <br />great degree of uncertainty. <br /> <br />April 22, 1986 <br /> <br />Page 7 of 14 <br /> <br /> <br />